10 Ways To Dazzle Homebuyers This Spring

April 24, 2016 (Gephardt Daily/Houzz.com) — Spring is a key time in the property market and, thankfully, it’s easier to make your home look sparkling and inviting when the sun’s shining. Use the warmer weather and longer days to prepare your home for sale by following these tips, which don’t cost much but make a world of difference. The sooner you sell, the sooner you can be moving into your new home, according to home improvement website Houzz.com.

Remember first impressions count. Set the tone for buyers with a beautiful front yard and exterior. Whether you have a driveway, a small garden or a large landscaped frontage, make it look the absolute best it can. In spring, add bedding plants in hanging baskets or tubs and make sure the lawn and shrubs are well-trimmed.

Fix that squeaky gate, loose fence board and ivy in the gutters too.

Photo Courtesy: Houzz.com

Pep up your porch and hallway. Once buyers cross the threshold, they need to see that your home is clean and tidy and has plenty of space. Store your coats, shoes, strollers and bikes out of sight. A console table with a pair of lamps and a large mirror in the entry is a classic way to present your home as spacious and attractive.

Be wary of any unpleasant odors from pets, shoes or cooking. Don’t try to mask smells with a spray air freshener. Instead, remove the source of the problem, clean thoroughly, air out the space and use a room diffuser or scented candle to create a luxurious and welcoming scent for visitors.

Deal with the little jobs. Tend to any little defects and unfinished projects. Your buyers will notice these subtle visual hints at damage or neglect, even if it’s subconsciously.

You might not be seeing the chips in the paintwork or scuffs on the woodwork, so before you have the real estate agents over, take lots of photos from different angles and really scrutinize them. List everything that needs to be done, then either tackle the odd jobs yourself or hire a handyman or decorator.

Remember, buyers may be put off by signs of neglect or poor maintenance and either walk away or make a low offer.

Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia

Cull the clutter. Bathrooms should be neat and tidy. There should be plenty of storage to stash everyday toiletries, leaving space to display fluffy towels, scented candles and pretty jars and soaps.

The better you make your house look for the photos, open house or viewings, the quicker it will sell, so stash your odds and ends out of sight — and always put the toilet seat down!

Create a welcoming feel. Depending on the time of year and time of day, use soft lighting and a fire in the fireplace to create a cozy feel. If it’s a warm, sunny day, pull back the curtains and open the windows to let in fresh air.

Make your kitchen count. The kitchen is a key room for potential buyers. You’ve probably heard the saying, “Kitchens sell houses,” so make sure yours looks as clean and modern as possible.

I can’t say enough good things about Shannon. Attentive, proactive, asked questions to understand our needs/wants. She always made time for us, she was patient when we were picky. We never felt pressured and always felts like she had our best interests in mind. There were many times that my husband and I wondered about how she could be so generous with her time and so accessible. She was always professional and organized and knew exactly what features we were looking for. Thank you, thank you,…

James and Miriam

Thanks so much for all you did for us to make the sale of our lot go smoothly. We could not have made this happen without your help and expertise.
Barry & Diane Evans | The Evans Group

Wiley & Nancy

You sold our house! Shannon Wilson told us the things that we should have heard from our first and second realtors. Every seller needs to hear the “hard advice” that we got from Shannon Wilson. Want to sell your house? Follow her advice!
Shannon Wilson is partner with
Barry & Diane Evans | Evans & Friends

Richard & Susan

Collin Rogers IS THE BEST Realtor I have ever worked with. He is very knowledgeable of the Chattanooga Valley and the surrounding area. Collin was more convinced with what I could afford, wanted and needed more than he was concerned with the commission he’d make off the sale. This wasn’t just a transaction to him but building a relationship with his client.
Collin Rogers is a Realtor Partner with Barry & Diane Evans | The Evans Group

I couldn’t have asked for a more attentive, reliable and conscientious realtor than Collin Rogers. Collin was right in there taking notes, making sure all my questions were answered. If he couldn’t, he would find the answer and get right back to me.
Collin Rogers is partner with
Barry & Diane Evans | Evans & Friends

Barbara

This is the fourth time we have worked with the Evans Group in buying or selling a home. When we first moved to Chattanooga in 2008 without any contacts in the area, we somewhat blindly selected the Evans Group. I feel very fortunate to have found them, as they have been nothing but professional, kind and pleasant to work with. We’ve always had a great experience and I would recommend them to anyone without reservation.
Barry & Diane Evans | Evans & Friends

David

Carolyn Limerick had answers to all our questions and was highly professional. She dotted all the “i’s” and crossed all the “t’s.” We would recommend Carolyn to our best friends.
Carolyn Limerick is partner with
Barry & Diane Evans | Evans & Friends

John & Deborah

I had recommended Shannon Wilson to an acquaintence and they did buy a house through her. I would highly recommend her again as a buyers agent. She is very thorough, and keeps the needs of clients foremost in her dealings.
Shannon Wilson is Partner with
Barry & Diane Evans | Evan & Friends

Linda

We had a great experience. Our realtor, Lori Dodd, was very patient with us while we were looking. She was always available and eager to help us find just the right home.
Lori Dodd is Partner with
Barry & Diane Evans | Evans & Friends